MRS WARREN. Never you mind how old she is.
CROFTS. Why do you make such a secret of it?
MRS WARREN. Because I choose.
CROFTS. Well, I’m not fifty yet; and my property is as good as it ever was—
MRS [interrupting him] Yes; because youre as stingy as youre vicious.
CROFTS [continuing] And a baronet isn’t to be picked up every day.
No other man in my position would put up with you for a mother-in-law. Why shouldn’t she marry me?
MRS WARREN. You!
CROFTS. We three could live together quite comfortably. I’d die before her and leave her a bouncing widow with plenty of money. Why not? It’s been growing in my mind all the time I’ve been walking with that fool inside there.
MRS WARREN [revolted] Yes; it’s the sort of thing that would grow in your mind.